Representatives of all branches of the military — as well as friends and family — turned out to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich on Sunday, some with stoic faces and heavy hearts, to honor men and women who serve or have served in the armed forces.

Susie Lee, of Waterford, and her family were among the somber celebrants at the Norwich cathedral’s 22nd annual Red, White and Blue Mass.

“We lost someone last week in Waterford that was important to us,” Lee said of Justin Eldridge, a former U.S. Marine who took his own life on Oct. 29.

The two-hour event proceeded with the Rev. Michael Cote as the principal celebrant. Archbishop Timothy Broglio delivered the homily.

Votive Masses, marking special occasions and intentions, have been celebrated for centuries. Those related to human vocations, such as Red Masses, date back to the 13th century. The tradition came to America in 1928.

The theme of this year’s Mass was chaplains who served in the military throughout history.

The Mass also recognized the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the U.S. Army Transport ship Dorchester in 1943. Moving across the Atlantic, the ship was only 150 miles from its destination when it was spotted by a German submarine that fired on the ship, killing or injuring hundreds of men.

“As panic and pandemonium spread through the sinking ship, four men calmly and bravely moved through the ship calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented to safety,” the service program said of the famed four chaplains who died on the sinking ship after giving away their life jackets.

From Boy Scouts in fatigues to servicemen and women in crisp full dress adorned with gleaming medals, everyone recognized the importance of Sunday’s service.

Tom Harvey, of Gales Ferry, served 22 years in the U.S. Navy’s submarine service.

He participated to honor his fellow servicemen and women, and for another reason.

“I love bagpipe music,” Harvey said.

Stacy James, of Preston, brought her children to the Mass, even though they don’t have a member of the military in the family.

“I came to pay my respects to those who have died for our country so that we are here and able to come to our Mass and preach our faith,” James said.

Next year’s Red, White and Blue Mass is scheduled for Nov. 16, 2014, also at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.